A Life Betrothed to Christ

When the Lord Jesus opened our eyes to His saving grace, we believed in Him. Gracious as He is, He turned us away from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. We received forgiveness of sins and found a place among those who are sanctified by faith in Him (Acts 26:18).

It was at this time that we were betrothed to one husband, to Christ, so that we might be presented as a pure virgin to Him. However, like Paul had to write to the Corinthian Church, I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, our minds may somehow have been led astray from our sincere and pure devotion to Christ (2Cor. 11:2, 3). We became adulteresses (Jas. 4:4). To use a contemporary word in today’s relationships, we ‘cheated’ on the One we were engaged and committed to.

We knew in our hearts that there could be only one master (Mt. 6:24) and we chose the One who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Yet somehow we allowed ourselves to be deceived; to think that we could straddle ourselves between two loves—God and the world. We became bold to legitimize such friendship with the world by using portions of scripture turning them to suit our convenience—what some term as the ‘prosperity gospel’. Our prayers now revolve around the blessings of this earth. The temporal has become our focus and the reason for us to run to God.

Dr. A. W. Tozer, in his message on cultivating the fellowship of the Holy Spirit spoke boldly saying: “I have discovered that some people are just not ready for this teaching of commitment and consecration and devotion to the highest will of God for their lives. They are still facing both ways.” He then goes on to describe the several kinds of Christians he had observed and in one instance says, “There are those who are most interested in Christianity for its ‘insurance’ value. Believe it or not, they want the care and protection that God gives them now, and they want avoidance of hell in time of death. They want the guarantee of heaven at last. To get these things, they seem willing to support the church, give to missions and show financial interest in church projects. Amazing, but true! Some people keep on supporting the church, and they even abstain from some gross pleasures because they want protection—they are interested in the insurance value of Christianity. They want what it has to offer.”

All this time we ignored the fact that when our gracious Lord turned us to Himself, He sought that we would give Him first place in our life. There should have been no other. God who sits enthroned forever (Psa. 55:19a) should have been the only Ruler, Master and Lord of our hearts and lives. Instead we chose to cuddle into a friendship with the world (Jas. 4:4). Instead of denying ourselves, carrying our cross and following after our Master (Lk. 9:23), we indulged in the lust of the flesh (1Jn. 2:16). Instead of keeping the lamp of our body, our eye, clear and focused on the treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal (Mt. 6:19-23); we succumbed to the lust of the eyes (1Jn. 2:16). Earthly commendations and the boastful pride of life (1Jn. 2:16) have meant more to us than the approval of the Father (Jn. 5:44).

In the gospel that God has called us to, the Church is a holy people, sanctified by the blood of the Lamb. She has been prepared so as to be blameless, as a bride eagerly awaiting the coming of her groom. She has not only been called to be a light to the world—Ambassadors of the kingdom of heaven but also a power in Jesus to break every chain of the evil one; God attesting her testimony concerning Him. Through her, God has purposed to shine forth the knowledge of His glory. Her life, full of faith and good deeds is her testimony; her dazzling raiment visible for all to see, to the glory of her Master. However, instead of flying like an eagle, the Church has been hopping around like a bird with broken wings. Oh the lament of not being able to walk in the fullness of the glorious and most marvelous plan that the Almighty God wrought about for us through His Son. Oh the sadness that we as a Church are not able to rise to the lofty heights that we can soar to by the great working of the Holy Spirit.

I believe that we need to get back to the first and foremost commandment in the Holy Scripture and that is to love the Lord, our God with all our heart, with all our soul and with all our mind (Mt. 22:37, 38). Obedience to this commandment puts God supreme over all else. Nothing and no one gets that place—not our self-life, nor our earthly possessions; not our careers, plans or dreams nor the opinions of those around us—nothing takes higher place. While God has given us all things to enjoy, we recognize that He is our only possession. While we work hard on this earth; strive to excel in whatever we do; seek God to prosper the work of our hand, yet all the time we are willing to lay our trophies and achievements at the feet of the Master for His will and His pleasure. It is this total commitment and sincerity that the Lord God is looking for in the Church and for it to happen it must begin with us as individuals.

Let us rise beyond, “these people honour Me with their lips but their heart is far away from Me.” (Mt. 15:8) Let us move from newborn babies who long for the pure milk of the Word (1Pet. 2:2) to hunger for solid food (Heb. 5:14) that God, the Holy Spirit is able to feed us. Let us not be satisfied with the experience of the outer court but strive for that of the Holy Place, for which reason the veil was rend (Heb. 6:19). Like the Apostle Paul, let us press on, reach forward and lay hold of that for which also we were laid hold of by Christ Jesus (Php. 3:12, 13). There is a wisdom that is not of this age (1Cor. 2:6); a hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory (1Cor. 2:7)—things which a natural man does not understand because they are spiritually appraised (1Cor. 2:14). But to the mature, to those whose hearts are set like a flint to honour God, God is revealing them through His Holy Spirit—things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard (1Cor. 2:9, 10).

The Lord Jesus has assured our hearts while exhorting us to seek the things above, saying, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.” (Lk. 12:32) The Holy Spirit who has always been behind the Church is still there to strengthen, empower and fulfill the purpose and will of God for the Body of Christ. God will fulfill His purpose. Nothing will stop Him (Job 42:2). Let us however ensure that we are not found wanting. Let us run in such a way, as not without aim. Let us box in such a way as not beating the air. Let us buffet our body and make it our slave, lest possibly after we have preached to others we ourselves should be disqualified (1Cor. 9:26, 27); and the God who gives all grace will guard our heart and mind. With His help we will be that virgin made ready for her groom (Eph. 5:27).

Why Am I Here?

To the universally oft-asked question, “Why am I here?” or “Why do we exist?” the Bible gives us a two-fold reason.

The first is found in Acts 17:26, 27. In this passage we read that God created us that we should seek Him. Herein lies a purpose that must define how we ought to live each day of our existence. To seek God is to make the invisible Creator the source of everything we need. It is to run to the Self-sufficient, Almighty One for all that concerns us and our life. 

By habit, we run to what we see and consider strong. With our limited understanding, we seek help from or depend on that that which appeals to our wisdom and known senses. But Isaiah 31:1 says, “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help (Egypt is an expression for the world), and rely on horses, and trust in chariots because they are many, and in horsemen because they are strong, but they do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek the Lord!” Psalm 147:10 continues in the same vein saying, “He (God) does not delight in the strength of the horse; He does not take pleasure in the legs of a man. The Lord favours those who fear Him, those who wait for His loving kindness.”

Though this was my mindset in the past, as a new creation in Jesus, I can now walk with a mind not conformed to the world, but one renewed by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 12:2). As one who walks in the newness of life (Rom. 6:4), I have opportunity to seek my Creator and make Him the one and only source I run to each day. For from Him, the Maker of heaven and earth comes help (Psa. 121:2). From Him who is perfect and never makes a mistake comes all wisdom. Power and might is from the sovereign One who rules in majesty from generation to generation. Because He is eternal, I can trust my tomorrows into His hand knowing that He will always guide me into that which is for my welfare, not for my calamity; a life with future and hope (Jer. 29:11). I can run to Him whose love for me is immeasurable because He will never let me stray to the left or to the right but keep me in the centre of His perfect will. I can rest in the confidence that because I trust in the One who holds me in the cup of His hand and walk righteously before Him, my steps are ordained and secure. Though I stumble, He will not let me fall headlong (Psa. 37:23, 24). I can cast all my worries on Him who neither slumbers nor sleeps (Psa. 121:3) because He cares for me (1Pet. 5:7). He knows my need before I can even ask Him (Mt. 6:8). He is able to fill every lack and provide for every need because all things are sustained by Him. For this reason Paul writes to the Philippian Church and exhorts them to be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving to make their request known to God. It is interesting that the apostle does not stop there. He identifies a benefit that results from such seeking – the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Php. 4:6, 7).

So like the Psalmist who responded when God said to him, “Seek My face,” let us with absolute trust and confidence say, “Thy face O Lord, I shall seek.” (Psa. 27:8)       

The second reason for our existence we read of in Ephesians 2:10 – to do good works. As God’s workmanship, we have been created in Christ Jesus that we can use our entire being and all that we have been blessed with to do good. Behind this is a selfless attitude that lives not for oneself (Php. 2:3, 4). When I live each moment of every day employing the members of my body – my mind, hands, tongue, yes, my entire being – no longer for myself to walk in my lusts and desires but for Him who died and rose again on my behalf (2Cor. 5:15), I am demonstrating the essence of the new creature that I am in Christ Jesus (2Cor. 5:17). When I use each part of my being with the sole ambition to please my Master (2Cor. 5:9) who in righteousness and holiness has made His dwelling place in me (1Cor. 3:16), I am fulfilling the very reason I was given to exist (Gen. 1:26a). As an outcome of living selflessly God-ward, I automatically find a change in my attitude men-ward. We are told of our Lord Jesus that in the years that He walked on this earth, He went about doing good, and healing all who were oppressed by the devil; for God was with Him (Acts 10:38). What is written of Him in the 3½ years of service was an outcome of His attitude to His Father – to do God’s will (Heb. 10:7; Jn. 4:34).

So brethren, like the Holy One who called us, let us be holy ourselves also in all our behavior (1Pet. 1:14). We will find that as His chosen people, we will shine forth as light (Mt. 5:16) and proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light (1Pet. 2:9).

Let us remember that whatever God does in His eternal, perfect wisdom is never aimless nor does it lack purpose. He planned long before He even created anything (Eph. 1:4) – when there was nothing but God alone – that we should exist on this terrestrial ball for a time as short as a handbreadth (Psa. 39:5). He purposed that while here, we should seek Him though He is not seen and He would reveal Himself to us though He is not far from us. He intended that we use our fearfully and wonderfully crafted being (Psa. 139:14) as instruments of righteousness (Rom. 6:13) and love and truth (Eph. 5:9). Then, after the short span of time on earth is over, that we be with Him for eternity. We can be certain that if the things that are to pass away were created in awesome power and majesty, greater and far more glorious will be the things that remain – things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all the things that God has prepared for those who love Him (1Cor. 2:9).  

It is evident that we missed the purpose and lost our way in years past. We got carried away with what the world defined as the purpose of life – wealth, control and fame. But thanks be to God through Jesus Christ, our Lord for the mercy He has shown to us. In His infinite goodness He has restored us once again to the plan He so wonderfully intended for us from the beginning. 

Jesus has already told us that He has come to give us life (existence, both here on earth and in eternity) in all its fullness (Jn. 10:10) – a life that is meaningful, blessed (Eph. 1:3) and the way our perfect Father has intended. Though in this world we will have trouble (Jn. 16:33), let us walk with zeal and focus to fulfill the reason of our existence. And lo! He is with us always, even to the end of the age (Mt. 28:20).          

The Mercy and Compassion of God

As a sequel to my last article, “The Kingdom of God and the Church”, I write on the mercy and compassion of God, our Father in heaven.

I am reminded of this as I read Psalm 51. Here is a man whom God called as one after His own heart. David was chosen and called by God. He experienced the salvation and victory that was brought about by the power of God. He lived in the protection of God; was sustained by the provision of God; was elevated as king by the sovereign hand of God; was granted victory from his enemies by the strength of God; all these among so many other blessings that he tasted of and experienced.

When he fell into the sin of adultery, God sent the prophet Nathan to correct him. David heard the word of God; was convicted of his sin and sought God’s face eagerly in repentance.

God on His part, as He always does, showed His immense willingness to forgive and restore. In His unfailing love, He had mercy on David (v. 1). According to His great compassion, He blotted out his transgression (v. 1). He washed away all David’s iniquity and cleansed him from his sin (v. 2). He washed him whiter that snow (v. 7) and restored to his crushed and smitten being joy and gladness (v. 8).

God, the merciful One, created in David a pure heart once again (v. 10). God renewed within him a steadfast and committed spirit (v. 10). In His holiness, He lavished mercy on David making him righteous with the righteousness of Jesus instead of casting the man away from His presence (v. 11). He went on; permitting David to enjoy the sweet fellowship and companionship of the Holy Spirit that the king enjoyed of old – a fellowship that had put in his tongue so many psalms like the pen of a skillful writer (Read 2Cor. 13:14[b]). God did not stop there. The everlasting Father who had purposed a marvelous plan for David long before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4), restored unto him the joy that comes with the saving grace of God (v. 12) and granted to him a willing, longing, zealous spirit that would not peter out after a time but one that would be sustained (v. 12).

As a living testimony of God’s infinite compassion and tender mercy David went on to teach transgressors God’s ways that they may turn their hearts to God (v. 13). As one who experienced God’s saving grace, his tongue spoke of God’s righteousness (v. 13). The Lord opened David’s lips that his mouth could declare His praise (v. 15). David was clear what it was that pleased God. He knew the thing that God desired. “You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings,” he said to His Saviour but went on to declare, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit.” (Psa. 51:16, 17) He knew that a broken and a contrite heart God would not despise (v. 17). Asaph had spoken in a similar vein in the previous psalm when he wrote of what God desired. “Sacrifice thank offerings to God,” said the psalmist. “Fulfill your vows to the Most High.” (Psa. 50:14). Paraphrased to our contemporary context it could read: “Rejoice in the Lord with a grateful heart always. Be faithful to the commitment you made to God when He first called you into His Covenant.” Asaph went on to prophesy, “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honour Me.” (Psa. 50:15)

It is interesting to read how David concludes his psalm of repentance. Instead of focusing on himself or on the mercy he received from God, he switched attention to Zion. “In your good pleasure make Zion prosper,” cried the psalmist. “Build up the walls of Jerusalem.” (Psa. 51:18)

In Thy good pleasure Lord, cause Thy Church, the body of Christ to prosper. Build a wall of protection around her; for Thou art great and most worthy of praise in this city (Psa. 48:1). Because of Thee O Lord, she is beautiful in loftiness, the joy of the whole earth (v. 2). The righteousness and characteristics of Thy kingdom make her like the utmost heights of Zaphon – the city of the great King (v. 2). Thou art in this Church O Lord and Thou dost show Thyself to be her fortress (v. 3). Within Thy temple O God, we meditate on Thy unfailing love (Psa. 48:9). Like Thy name O God, may Thy praises reach the ends of the earth (v. 10). May Thy Church reveal how Thy right hand is filled with righteousness (v. 10). Let Mount Zion rejoice because of Thy judgments (v. 11). Let all who walk about Zion or examine her ways say, “God is their God for ever and ever.” – For Thou wilt be her guide even to the end (Psa. 48:13, 14).

Hearken to the mercy of the Lord O redeemed children of God. Consider His goodness in our lives. For though we were once not His people; for though we were once cut off and far away from Him (Eph. 2:12), by the precious blood of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord we have been reconciled to Him and restored to His eternal purpose (Eph. 2:13). The great sacrifice of Jesus has made us white as snow. His death and resurrection has made us free from sin, righteous by faith and a new creation to live no longer for ourselves but for Him who died and rose again on our behalf (2Cor. 5:15). Consider that you are an integral part of the New Covenant which God established with us through the precious blood of His Son. A covenant is between two parties and while God is one, we are the other. He is faithful for He cannot deny Himself (2Tim. 2:13). Let us be faithful.

Be alert! Be watchful! Let not the darkness that is in the world cause us to slip into slumber (1Thes. 5:6). But like the Apostle Paul, let us fight the good fight against all that grieves God. Let us strive to finish the course. Keep the faith. In the future there is laid up for us the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to us on that day; and not only to us, but also to all who have loved His appearing (2Tim. 4:7, 8).

“Behold, I am coming quickly,” says the Lord Jesus, “And My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what He has done.” (Rev. 22:12) He who is coming will come and will not delay. The righteous ones shall however live each day with perseverance in absolute trust – in His wisdom, unfailing love and faithfulness. Cling to (cleave or adhere fast to) His purpose, His strength and to Him, the great ‘I AM’. Rely on and constantly depend on His will, His protection and His provision. (Heb. 10:37, 38; Amplified from the word faith as elaborated in the Amplified Bible.)

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”